Use This Trick To Test If Your Eggs Are Still Fresh

Most of us have opened the fridge to find it mostly bare — except for that carton of eggs that may be a few days out of date. But before you toss the eggs and reach for the takeout menus, consider this trick, because, as we have proven time and time again, often "best buy" dates are guidelines and many of our favorite foods last a lot longer than the date printed on the carton.

Click here for the Everything You Need to Know About Eggs: Recipes, Hacks, Nutrition, and More slideshow.

All you need to test your eggs freshness is a glass of water. If you drop the questionably fresh egg in the water and it floats, then it is destined for the disposal; however, if it sinks, then a hunger-satisfying omelette (check out this guide for how to make the perfect omelette) is in your future.

How does the floating egg test work? Eggs can last up to a month past their expiration date because they are in a self-contained, albeit porous, shell that mostly protects them from oxygen and bacteria growth. As an egg ages, air pockets expand. More fluid evaporates, allowing room for oxygen and gases to filter into the egg shell. The gas, and subsequent lighter weight, causes the egg to float in water.

When your egg is very fresh, it will lay flat on its side in a cup of water. As it ages, it will still sink, but usually rest on one end, and finally, when your egg is spoiled it will float in the glass of water.

Angela Carlos is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Find her on Twitter and tweet @angelaccarlos.